This program has been a blessing to support. I have heard stories of families discussing which gifts to give, causing some spirited conversation around the dinner tables. I have talked to many about the need for not just food and animals but also health kits and education materials and supplies for worship and Christian education. Not only are we offering gifts, but we are also opening our eyes to the needs of our neighbors. I guess you could say this program has been a "good gift" to us.
When I first talked to Pastor Larry and Cindy Hoffsis about this program as our Lenten focus for the second year in a row, we hoped the response would be as positive as last year. Our concern was that there might not be as such a good response since we did this before. But we agreed there is no down side to feeding the hungry and helping those in need. We decided that any number of gifts would be a blessing. The good news is our concern was not warranted and our goal of three hundred gifts is in sight. Thank you for your gifts.
Please note that it is not too late to give a gift.
Thank you to Bill Lynch for his weekly devotions. Here is one more:
Mark 6:56
And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid
the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the
fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Jesus gave himself. Jesus gave himself fully and without
reservation. Wherever Jesus went people came to him and sought healing and
salvation from the troubles of their lives.
As we walk with Jesus this Holy Week, we know and begin to
understand the depth of the statement, “Jesus gave himself.” Jesus comes into
the lives of individuals and entire groups of people and gives himself fully.
Yes, we must, we need, we will, run to Jesus. There is no way that we can do
this on our own, either individually or corporately, without Jesus. We need a
Savior, so we run to Jesus for salvation.
Jesus comes to us in the serving, in the washing of feet, in the
bread and in the wine. Jesus comes to us and invades our bodies and our spirit
to the very core of our being. Jesus comes to us in the deepest part of our
gut. Jesus comes to us in the core of our being. Jesus comes into our heart and
shows us a love that saves us from sin, death, our selfish ways and the devil.
As we see Jesus on trial and tortured and hung from a cross and as
we see Jesus in pain, may we come to know the healing that only Jesus can bring
to us. Yes, Jesus comes to us in the villages, the cities, the farms or
anywhere we may be, to save us. Jesus comes to save each one of us and all of
us together.
As we wrap up the “Good Giving Campaign” for this Lenten Season, may we see how Jesus has come to heal not only ourselves individually but also the entire “Farm” so to speak. Jesus has shown how to come to the “Farm” and save those in need.
We have been invited to emulate the life of Jesus in a small way
by giving to those in need. We have given to those in the villages, in the
cities and in the farms. We have given to those in the marketplaces and those
that beg to just reach out and touch a tiny part of the fringe of Jesus’ cloak.
We have been invited and have given of ourselves to those in need.
We stand as one with all the people of God and receive the very
grace that Jesus has come to deliver to the entire “Farm” this Holy Week in
Jesus gift of salvation. This week I present to you, the “Farm.” I present to
you an opportunity to give the “Farm” as a response to the gift of life and
salvation that we witness this Holy Week in the life of Jesus.
The Family Farm…
“A cow, a couple of goats, 10 chicks, two pigs, a duck, farming
tools—plus training and marketing support—can help a family farm its way to a
fresh start. With new tools and techniques, crops will grow bigger and stronger
than ever before. Eggs, milk and meat from farm animals will provide enough
food to eat and sell on the market, helping a family escape the cycle of hunger
and poverty for good.”
Through the Good Gifts Catalogue you have an opportunity to give
in such a small, yet such a great way…
This week especially, remember how Jesus has come to you and to
all of us on the “Farm.” How Jesus gave himself fully and without reservation.
In your moments of reflection and prayer, give thanks for all Jesus has done
and shown to us… individually… and corporately. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Father thanks for Jesus. Thanks for life, for living, for
learning, for caring, for loving. Thanks for the opportunity to help another in
a small way and to see and remember how you have shown help to all of us in
both small ways and ways so fantastic that we can’t even explain those ways
with mere words. Be with us through this week as we prepare for that
celebration of Life springing forth from the grave in love for all people. ---
Amen
UPDATE:
As of March 26, 2013, 238 gifts have been given
Money given to the Good Gifts Program for these gifts and loose offering - $8,743.
THANK YOU for your gifts!
Peace,
Pastor Charlie
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